CMRPC offers planning, technical assistance and resource development services across a wide scope of environmental, energy and resiliency topics. These range from planning for open space conservation and resiliency in the face of changing natural hazards to review of local bylaws, administration of clean energy grants and projects, and development of climate pollution reduction programs.
Climate & Energy Planning
CMRPC is working on several climate and energy initiatives including the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) is a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). CMRPC is the lead agency for Central Massachusetts and portions of Eastern Connecticut. The program aims to develop regional short and long term climate plans with a goal to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Green Communities Assistance
CMRPC assists cities and towns in becoming designated Green Communities, completing required annual reporting, developing applications for Green Communities Competitive Grants, and administering Green Communities Grants.
Open Space & Recreation Planning
CMRPC is lead partner in the development of several community Open Space & Recreation Plans, the seven-year documents that communicate local visions and values for improving open space and recreation areas for all residents, users, and ecological functions.
Regional Trails Resources
CMRPC is involved in a number of initiatives to make Central Massachusetts’ trail network more inclusive, accessible, interconnected, and multi-modal. Learn more about how we are promoting ecotourism in our region.
Resiliency & Hazard Mitigation Planning
CMRPC provides resiliency planning services to communities throughout Central Massachusetts. These services include hazard mitigation planning, low-impact development bylaw reviews, and municipal vulnerability preparedness planning. These plans and reviews can guide communities as they apply for funding, modify regulations, and implement projects so that the resiliency of their infrastructure and community resources can increase in the face of natural hazards.